Heroes Run to benefit veterans, families
The Travis Manion Foundation will host the 9/11 Heroes Run Saturday, Sept. 3, at Tempe Beach Park. Open to all skill and age levels, the race is a way to thank local veterans, their families and first responders.
There will be a 5k run and a one-mile fun run/ walk. All participants are encouraged to wear patriotic clothing. The person judged most patriotically dressed will receive a Tuft and Needle mattress worth up to $750.
Medals will be given after the race to the top three finishers in 11 age groups. Two additional medals will be given to the fastest female and fastest male runners.
All proceeds go to the Travis Manion Foundation, a charitable organization that benefits veterans and the families of fallen military members. Race director Jessica Rice estimates the event will raise at least $20,000, with more than half of that amount coming from runners' entry fees.
The Tempe Exchange Club will donate 200 8-foot American flags to decorate the course.
Every year, the Tempe Exchange Club creates a 9/11 memorial called the Tempe Healing Field, in which 3,000 American flags are raised at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway to remember and honor victims of 9/11. Each flag represents a person lost on that day.
“The (9/11 Heroes Run) is always the weekend before the Tempe Healing Field (is created). It goes hand in hand with our Healing Field, so it’s a natural fit for us to be involved with it,” said club volunteer Mark Poisson, who also tackles the 5k run every year.
The club’s main charitable projects are aimed at the prevention of child abuse, but Poisson said the Travis Manion Foundation is a special group to him.
“The assistance they give to the families and the kids of men and women who have lost their lives overseas resonates with me deeply,” he said.
Those who can stick around after the race will be treated to a DJ and live music along with a tented Kid’s Corner that will have a balloon artist, coloring and temporary tattoos.
More than 20 vendors will be set up in a Vendor Village where participants can get free goodies, massages and pizza. The Vendor Village will be open until 10 a.m.
The 9/11 Heroes Run takes place in locations all over the world on or near Sept. 11 and organized by local community volunteers.